Yukon River Boat Tour Through Miles Canyon: Private Departures

Boat upstream through basalt cliffs, watch for bears and moose, see why Whitehorse is called the Wilderness City

A private boat tour from Whitehorse through Miles Canyon on the upper Yukon River, with a live English-speaking guide and flexible departure times. The 18-foot aluminum boat travels upstream past Canyon City through basalt cliffs and blue-green headwaters, where wildlife sightings are common. Bottled water is included. Start times often shift to evening to accommodate full days of work or fishing.

Step-by-step itinerary

Boat tour through Miles Canyon and Yukon River

• Depart from Schwatka Lake boat launch
• Boat upstream through Miles Canyon basalt cliffs
• Pass Canyon City by boat
• Travel along upper Yukon River headwaters
• Observe wildlife from the boat

The experience

What makes this tour different is how it actually works: because the operator is small and often guides full days of fishing, morning and early afternoon bookings may be delayed into the evening. That flexibility is built in, not a hassle. It means you're not paying for a slot in a crowded schedule. When you do depart from the boat launch on Schwatka Lake, the 18-foot Alumarine heads upstream into Miles Canyon, where basalt cliffs rise on either side and the Yukon River narrows into blue-green water. The boat is Canadian-made and built for these conditions, nimble enough to handle the current and the terrain.

The route passes Canyon City and continues upstream into the headwaters, and the wildlife is real: bears, moose, loons, and beavers show up regularly from the water. The city disappears quickly behind you: within minutes the wilderness takes over, and it becomes clear why Whitehorse carries the name "The Wilderness City." Two to three hours on the water covers the canyon and the upper river. Bottled water is included.

Pickup is included in the booking, and a live guide in English narrates the route. Infants sit on an adult's lap. Service animals are welcome. The tour suits all fitness levels because you're in the boat the whole time: no hiking, no portaging, just the river and what lives along it.

What’s included

• Bottled water.
• live English-speaking guide.
• hotel pickup.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 15 May 2027

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Youth (6 to 17 years) · Child (under 6): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 17 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomeInfants must sit on laps

Operated by North Country Outdoor Adventures

Is this one for you?The tour often runs in the evening to accommodate full days of work or fishing, so book this one if your schedule is flexible and you want to see the Yukon River on the operator's terms rather than a fixed afternoon slot.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (6 to 17 years); Child (under 6): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. No refund if you cancel.

What wildlife might I actually see on the Yukon River boat tour?

Bears, moose, loons, and beavers are common sightings from the boat as it travels through Miles Canyon and the upper Yukon River headwaters.

How does the flexible start time work if I book a morning slot?

Morning and early afternoon bookings may be delayed into the evening if the guide is booked for a full day of fishing or work. The operator will confirm the actual departure time when you book.

What is Miles Canyon like from the water?

Miles Canyon is a narrow section of the upper Yukon River lined with basalt cliffs that rise on both sides. The boat travels upstream through the canyon past Canyon City into the blue-green headwaters.

Is pickup from my hotel included?

Yes, pickup is included in the tour price.

How long does the tour take?

The boat tour lasts two to three hours, traveling upstream through Miles Canyon and along the upper Yukon River.